By Mark Gunderman, CVTC Communications Specialist
A gumball machine that allows children to select the color gumball they want, new technology that turns machine tool parts in multiple ways, a metal cutter that uses jets of water and a 3-D printer that produces plastic models are some of the wonders of modern manufacturing technology that will be on display at Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) on Thursday, March 3.
The CVTC Manufacturing Show, which started out as a welding show and expanded to include all CVTC Manufacturing programs, is celebrating its 10th year at the Manufacturing Education Center, 2320 Alpine Road, Eau Claire.
The event, which will run from 3 to 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. It will give visitors an opportunity to explore possible manufacturing careers and to see some of the latest developments in manufacturing.
The show is aimed at introducing the public to the world of modern manufacturing, which has gone far beyond outdated images of low-skilled workers doing simple repetitive work. Conversations with representatives of about 40 private manufacturing companies that will take part in the show should provide visitors with a fresh perspective.
People attending will be provided with “passports” to visit each area of the show. By having their passports stamped from the various areas they will be eligible for a drawing for an Apple watch.
Attendees will be able to try their hand at welding and see the creations of high school welding students taking part in the annual Junkyard Battle welding sculpture contest. Also on display will be CVTC’s Mobile Manufacturing Trailer, which has been taking manufacturing education directly into some high schools in the CVTC district. People will be able to try out simulators, watch robotic welders in action and check out the creativity of students engaged in competitions.